Chapter 73
Shen Qingnian pursed her lips, her eyes clear, and said frankly, "Father, I do not seek power or wealth. I have spent the first half of my life in the inner quarters, which is not the life I want."
My aunt is in poor health and doesn't like staying in the inner quarters. She sacrificed too much for her daughter in the first half of her life, and in the second half, all my daughter wants is to return to Lincheng with her aunt and live a peaceful life.
If she stays in the capital, my aunt's days are probably numbered. Father, you know about her health..."
In front of Shen Zheng, she spoke her mind honestly, realizing that Shen Zheng was testing her.
If she showed even the slightest reluctance to leave the capital, Shen Zheng would be tempted to kill her. Fortunately, she genuinely wanted to leave the capital, and these were her true feelings.
Shen Zheng stared into Shen Qingnian's eyes for a moment before sighing, "It's rare to see such filial piety in you. Although your aunt came from a humble background, it's a blessing for her to have given birth to you."
He knew that after Aunt Liu gave birth to Shen Qingnian, the two had become inseparable and had a deep bond. There was even a time when Aunt Liu came to him for help, just to save Shen Qingnian, whose life was hanging by a thread.
It was from that time that he began to pay attention to the two of them. If their relationship hadn't been so strained, he wouldn't have felt comfortable using Shen Qingnian.
He understood perfectly well that to control someone, you had to seize their Achilles' heel! Shen Qingnian's Achilles' heel was, of course, Aunt Liu...
Shen Qingnian gave a slight bow, appearing very obedient: "If it weren't for Father's support of Aunt, I wouldn't have been born."
Shen Zheng was completely relieved. He personally helped Shen Qingnian up and said with great affection, "We are father and daughter, so there's no need to be so formal. It's a blessing from heaven that I have a daughter like you."
Shen Qingnian nodded and then said, "I will be getting married in three days. Mother is ill and will probably not be able to accompany me. I would like to visit you one last time tomorrow."
When Aunt Liu was still in the backyard, Madam Shen often tormented her and her daughter. Shen Zheng was aware of this, but he did not intervene.
Back then, Shen Qingnian was of no use to Shen Zheng, so Shen Zheng naturally didn't care. But things are different now.
Shen Zheng nodded: "Alright, you should go see your mother before your wedding. I imagine she misses you very much."
He knew perfectly well what his daughter wanted to do, but since his wife had married into the Shen family, she had to prioritize the Shen family in everything she did.
For the past ten years or so, the Madam has been tormenting Aunt Liu and her daughter. It would be good if Shen Qingnian could vent her anger there.
"Thank you, Father," Shen Qingnian said with a gentle smile, and then bowed again.
Shen Zheng waved his hand dismissively and took out a prescription from the drawer.
"This is a fertility-enhancing prescription that your father specially sought out from famous doctors for you. Use this prescription carefully and try to give birth to your eldest son as soon as possible, so that Aunt Liu can be at ease soon," Shen Zheng handed the prescription to Shen Qingnian.
Shen Qingnian's long eyelashes trembled slightly. She took the prescription with both hands and said gratefully, "Thank you, Father."
Shen Zheng waved to her: "You will be getting married in three days. Go back to your room and rest well."
After bowing respectfully, Shen Qingnian left the study. Once back in her room, she handed the prescription to the steward, asking him to prepare several doses of medicine for her.
Early the next morning.
The servants of the Shen family mansion had already begun hanging lanterns and pasting red paper, making the entire mansion brightly decorated and filled with a joyous atmosphere.
Shen Zheng went out early in the morning. He had been working to build his own faction recently, and while the censors appreciated him, he wanted to make more connections with officials in the court.
Today I'll have a chance encounter with Lord Chen while drinking, tomorrow I'll run into Lord Zhou while watching a play. My days are packed full, and I still have to set aside some time to visit the refugees outside the city.
Shen Zheng's ambitions are quite grand.
Shen Qingnian deliberately chose a time when Shen Zheng was not around, and she took Xiao Ju to Madam Shen's courtyard.
Two servants stood guard at the entrance to Madam Shen's courtyard. They were tall and strong, each holding a long spear in their right hand, so that not even a fly could get out of the courtyard.
Upon seeing Shen Qingnian arrive, the two men bowed and greeted her, "Miss."
Shen Qingnian ignored the two of them and walked straight into the courtyard.
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